Nestled in the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, approximately 25 kilometers from Biswanath district town in Assam, lies Samukjuli. An Adivasi village, where whispers of change are carried by the winds that rustle through the paddy fields, where women once confined to traditional roles are now emerging as champions of resilience and sustainability. Their journey, ignited by the Caritas India FARM Northeast program and supported by Misereor, is not just about farming; it’s about reclaiming their power and redefining their futures.

For generations, agriculture has been the lifeblood of Samukjuli. Yet, with limited resources and infrastructure challenges, many families struggled to make ends meet. Women often bore the brunt of these hardships, finding themselves trapped in cycles of dependency and poverty. Recognizing this gap, Caritas India initiated a transformative program aimed at empowering these women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), fostering financial independence and enhancing food security.

The SHGs became a ray of hope, providing women access to financial services, government schemes, and vital training in sustainable agricultural practices. Armed with newfound knowledge in animal husbandry, vermicomposting, and crop diversification, these women began to cultivate not only their land but also their aspirations.

In 2021, as part of a Covid-19 livelihood support initiative, two SHGs in Samukjuli embarked on an innovative goat-rearing project. Initially faced with challenges in collective management, the women quickly adapted by allowing individual households to rear goats. This strategic shift proved crucial—within a year, their goat population flourished, doubling in number and significantly boosting household incomes.

The success of this initiative caught the attention of key stakeholders. Pritam Kumar Nath, NABARD’s District Development Manager for Sonitpur, visited Samukjuli to explore how NABARD could support the SHG members in scaling their operations. Partnering with TSSS (Tezpur Social Service Society), NABARD facilitated training on livestock management and financial literacy. Equipped with these skills, the women constructed improved shelters for their goats—known as “Chaang” houses—significantly enhancing hygiene and reducing mortality rates.

By 2024, the fruits of their labor became evident. Each woman was earning an annual income from goat sales alone that exceeded INR 36,000. Coupled with additional income from poultry and vegetable farming—bringing in another INR 70,000 annually—many households were thriving. This transformation not only improved their economic status but also elevated their social standing within the community.

Ms. Balamdina Aind, a member of the Epil SHG, reflects on this journey: “The income I earn from selling goats helps fund my child’s education and gives me hope for a better future.” This sentiment resonates throughout Samukjuli as women step into roles as leaders and decision-makers within their families and communities.

In an inspiring act of solidarity and community spirit, SHG members decided to share their success by distributing goats to six additional families in 2024. This gesture not only extended the benefits of their hard work but also reinforced a culture of mutual support that is essential for long-term resilience.

The Field Programme Associate of FARM, Wilson Kandulna acknowledges the effort saying, “the success of these women showcases the transformative power of collective action and targeted support. With the right resources, even the most marginalized communities can overcome adversity and flourish.”

Looking ahead, plans are underway to establish a livestock bank—a communal resource designed to provide families access to livestock without financial burden. This initiative promises to further strengthen economic stability within Samukjuli while fostering sustainable practices that respect both people and the environment.

The story of Samukjuli stands as a powerful example of how strategic interventions can unlock smallholder farmers’ potential—particularly women—in meeting food needs while building resilience and accessing local markets. Through initiatives like the FARM Northeast program supported by Caritas India, communities like Samukjuli are not only improving livelihoods but also creating a lasting legacy of resilience and self-sufficiency aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

This model serves as an inspiration for farmers across India—demonstrating that with collaboration and support from NGOs and government bodies alike; sustainable development is achievable even in challenging environments. In Samukjuli village, change is not just happening; it is flourishing—one empowered woman at a time.